Justice News

One Man Sentenced, another Pleads Guilty, in Steroid Manufacturing and Distribution Conspiracy

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JASON CHICKOS, 46, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to two years of probation for his role in a steroid manufacturing and distribution ring. Judge Chatigny also ordered CHICKOS to perform 120 hours of community service and pay a $1000 fine. Another member of the conspiracy, ALEX KENYHERCZ, 29, of Ansonia, also pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court.

According to court documents and statements made in court, a long-term investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations revealed that Steven Santucci, a former Newtown Police sergeant, and others were receiving shipments of steroid ingredients from China and manufacturing and distributing wholesale quantities of steroids. The investigation also revealed that certain members of the conspiracy were distributing prescription pills, including oxycodone, as well as cocaine.

CHICKOS and KENYHERCZ purchased anabolic steroids from Santucci and distributed them to others. KENYHERCZ also illegally distributed prescription medication, including Roxicodone, Oxycodone, Suboxone and Opana.

At the time of the offense, CHICKOS was employed as a civilian dispatcher with the Newtown Police Department.

During the course of the investigation, law enforcement officers seized hundreds of vials of steroids, approximately 600 grams of raw testosterone powder, approximately 350 grams of powder cocaine, and four long guns.

On October 19, 2015, CHICKOS pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids.

KENYHERCZ pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute oxycodone. He is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Chatigny on April 14, 2016, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rahul Kale and Robert M. Spector.